In the past 4 years of riding, I have worn nearly every style of ride gear, from the least protective to the comfortably protective. I have yet to buy serious track leathers with back armor, which I consider to be some of the most protective; however, I ride ATGATT (all the gear all the time) in one form or another. I have bought, used and sold enough gear to fill a gear closet time and time again and am currently the proud wearer of three full sets of gear that I am quite pleased with.
Women consistently ask about gear, how it fits, how effective it may or may not be, how it looks. I hope to provide some answers to these questions from my own experience.
First, I am of average height, 5’6″, and usually wear a 12-14 size in street clothing.
Set One:
Joe Rocket Trixie Leather Jacket
• 1.0mm to 1.2mm natural uncorrected leather outer
• C.E. rated protectors in shoulders and elbows
• Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector
• Variable Flow ventilation system
• Removable insulated vest liner
• Twin zipper hip adjusters
•”360 degrees plus 8″ zipper for pant attachment”
• Reflective stripe
Joe Rocket Roxie Leather Pant
• 1.2 to 1.4mm cowhide
• Height adjustable C.E. rated knee protectors
• Adjustable High Density padding on hips and tailbone
• Full flex rear leg stretch panels
• Pre-curved legs
• 360° plus 8″ zipper for pant attachment
This is the gear I use for track days and for any sort of shorter distance local riding in the cooler months. The Joe Rocket gear fits me well, has the safety padding I desire and plenty of venting in the jacket. Both pieces are comfortable and actually look pretty smart as well. So we get style, comfort and protection!
Joe Rocket tends to run about one size small. I usually wear a Large, however in JR I consistently wear an XL. I have found them to be well made with all the seams heavily stitched. The leather is heavy yet subtle and comfortable. The liner to the leather jacket is a bit wimpy, and I would rather use either my polar fleece vest as liner or my heated Gerbing jacket liner, depending upon the temperature.
The track style pants are unlined so they aren’t really warm unless you layer some UnderArmor and silk. I usually wear UnderArmor legging with them or at least my cuddle duds microfiber. They aren’t comfortable without another layer between the pant and legs. There is ample knee padding and hip armor you can add or remove at will.
I feel very safe in this gear.
Set Two:
Joe Rocket Cleo 2 Mesh Jacket
• Free-air™ poly/mesh shell
• C.E. rated protectors in shoulders and elbows
• Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector
• Removable waterproof liner
• Sure Fit™ adjustable waistband
• 8″ zipper for pant attachment
• Reflective stripe
Joe Rocket Cleo Mesh Pant
• Free-air™ poly/mesh shell.
• Height adjustable C.E. rated knee protectors.
• Rock Tex™ seat reinforcement.
• Full length leg zippers.
• 8 inch zipper for pant attachment.
• Adjustable waistband
Living in the Sacramento area, I use this gear all summer. For the most part the temperatures hover around 100 degrees by day and then drop by several degrees after sunset. If your riding takes you into the passes be sure you have layers! I always keep my waterproof jacket liner and long underwear on the bike as well as a fleece vest to buff up my tolerance if the temps begin dropping as the elevation climbs. I can NOT be cold and ride. I cease to function and suddenly my entire concentration is on keeping the core alive and warm, so I always carry enough extra layers to dress to my comfort zone.
This jacket is cute and stylish, fits well, and can be machine-washed if you remove the liner, which is handy. The liner is totally waterproof, which also means it doesn’t really breathe, so I only use it if there is a downpour, but you really have to be prepared with the liner in place prior to the falling drops!
The pants fit a bit strange, like the company believes that if you are wearing a L of XL that you are exceptionally tall, which is not necessarily true. These pants are a good 4-5 inches too long for me and though they adjust to a degree with knees bent while on the bike, I certainly would not consider them a “perfect fit”. But I’m beginning to believe we will never find the “perfect fit”, short of having our gear custom fitted.
Here is the Joe Rocket sizing chart for pants and jackets.
Sizing – Ladies Pants
SIZES XS S M L XL
WAIST 24-25 26-27 28-30 31-33 33-34
HIP 35-36 37-38 39-40 41-42 43-44
INSEAM 33.75 34.25 34.75 35.25 35.75
Sizing – Ladies Jackets
SIZES XS S M L XL
BUST 31 33-34 35-36 37-39 40-42
WAIST 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-34
HIP 35-36 37-38 39-40 41-42 43-44
Set Three:
G-LINE Lucia Jacket
Waterproof nylon and Pittards® leather accents combine in this women’s touring jacket. Reflective piping on front and back nighttime visibility. A removable liner allows for all weather adjustments. Dual waist belts and sleeve straps allow adjustments to size and shape for a comfortable, custom fit.
• Waterproof nylon
• Sleeves shaped to riding position
• Waterproof Pittards™ leather accents
• Removable warmth liner for all season comfort
• Zipper controlled perforated mesh armpit vents
• Zipper cuffs with snap closures
• Adjustable arm bands and waist belts
• Side seam zippered vents
• CE -approved Hiprotec™ comfort armor at elbows and shoulders
• Perforated comfort foam back spine protector
• Reflective piping
• Full-circumference connection zipper at waist
• Two large front pockets plus inside storage pocket
G-Line Lucia Pant
Make a full outfit with the LUCIA jacket and pant. Also constructed from waterproof nylon with Pittards® leather accents, the LUCIA pants have a full circumference zipper for connection to the jacket. Pockets for CE-approved armor offer protection at hips and knees.
• Waterproof nylon
• Waterproof Pittards™ leather accents
• Removable warmth liner for all season comfort
• CE -approved Hiprotec™ comfort armor at knees
• Armor pockets at hip (armor optional)
• Comfortable poly mesh lining from waist to knee
• Reflective piping
• Full-circumference connection zipper at waist
• Power stretch knee panels at knee for comfort
• Adjustable waistbands
• Anti-slip patch on seat area
• 2 front zippered pockets plus 2 rear zippered pockets
• Matching companion to the Lucia jacket
Now these two items are my touring pieces. I LOVE these!! They are not only comfortable, but waterproof and warm when I use the liners. They are completely adjustable and with all the zippers and vents you have the ability to set your air flow for all conditions.
The fit of these is amazing. They fit to size perfectly and are not overly long. In this suit I wear a 14 which is perfect for my frame, with the ability to adjust the waist with the belt. With zipper vents along the hips of the jacket you can adjust your sitting position. There is plenty of air flow through the suit for warmer days, and excellent liners to add if chilly, though you can not use the liner as a street jacket which some other jackets tout.
I rarely use my pant liner except when it is extremely cold. There is nothing worse then being cold when trying to focus on your abilities, however this is a bulky liner and I feel much like the snow-suited boy in “A Christmas Story” when wearing this liner.
I would say the only downfall of this wonderful fitting touring suit is the availability. They are not easy to find currently, although G-Line gear is sold at the annual Femmoto event. I have discovered that G-Line gear is being closed out in some stores and the G-Line website has been shut down. Best to search eBay for this excellent gear.
As to miscellaneous gear…
I use a heated jacket liner and gloves by Gerbing for winter riding. I never leave home without the heated gear when touring! I have the heat-troller controller that gives me the ability to adjust the two pieces separately, which is perfect since my hands are usually colder than my core.
My boots are vented Sidi Scorpion Boots, which many people tell me should be replaced with taller shin protector boots. However, I’m holding out for a nice mid-calf sized Sidi boot that will double as a hiking boot when I am off the bike. Ok ok…tap tap, there is no place like home!! ; )
Those of you with different gear, please comment and share with others seeking gear that fits. What’s protective and still cute? I know…why does that really matter…but somehow it does.